A three-storey building used as a student hostel has collapsed in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping an unknown number of occupants beneath the rubble.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko. It reportedly collapsed in the early hours of Monday.
The incident triggered panic among residents and passers-by as emergency responders and volunteers raced to rescue those trapped in the debris.
An eyewitness, who identified herself as Ifeoma, said a loud noise preceded the collapse.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene to see what had happened.
“Within moments after the loud noise, the occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell,” she said.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed rescue workers, security personnel and residents searching through the rubble for survivors.
Emergency response teams from the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other security agencies were mobilised to the scene.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police-led Joint Security Team had commenced rescue operations.
“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. On receipt of the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said.
He added that the Anambra State Fire Service and SEMA joined the operation shortly after the incident.
According to the police spokesperson, some victims have been rescued from the collapsed building and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment, while efforts continue to reach others who may still be trapped.
Ikenga said the number of casualties and affected persons could not yet be confirmed.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency workers unhindered access to the site.
He added that further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available.
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